Vernon's tallest building approved by council
Three 10-storey apartment buildings have been proposed for Vernon.
The condo development will feature 270 units over three buildings each 10-storeys high. Once built, the towers will be the highest buildings in Vernon.
The development is scheduled for an empty lot on Alexis Park Drive opposite 35 Avenue.
The Edmonton-based developer, Josan Properties, secured minor variances from Vernon council Aug. 15.
The towers will be built in three stages, the first being a 91-unit tower, with commercial units on the first floor and residential above.
The 91 units will be purpose-built long-term rentals.
"The project will be the largest and most desirable apartment and condo living option in Vernon," Josan Properties says on its website. "This luxury apartment and condominium complex will contemplate 270 units in three buildings along with a significant retail, office, and amenity component."
Vernon council approved a variance allowing the developer to build on a 30 per cent slope and more controversially agreed to reduce the number of parking spaces needed by almost 20 per cent.
Council approved the developer to build 117 parking stalls and not the 143 as required in the City's bylaws.
A representative for the developer told council it's expected that about 40 per cent of the building's residents will be seniors, who statistically drive about 40 per cent less than the general population.
Vernon Mayor Victor Cumming pointed out that as the price of condos goes up so does the number of vehicles the residents have.
Vernon councillor Kari Gares said she was happy with the reduction in parking as not everybody had two cars.
Former Vernon council candidate and nearby neighbour Dawn Tucker welcomed the project but didn't agree with the reduction in parking stalls.
Tucker pointed out that Alexis Park Drive doesn't have street parking. She also questioned why no left-hand-only turn from Alexis Park Drive into the new development wasn't in the proposal.
Regardless, council unanimously voted in favour of the project.
There was no timeline as to when construction would start, or whether more permits were needed.
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